The night continued with endless stories and more laughter. As the evening wound down, Hana got up from her chair and grabbed her purse. 

“Alright, I’m going to go pay my compliments to the chef. He’s an old friend.”

“An old friend, huh? I’ve never met him,” Alexandra questioned.

Hana said nothing. She just flashed a smile before disappearing toward the kitchen.

Since when was she seeing the chef?

As Alexandra gathered her things, she waved to the others. “Well, this was fun, but I should get going.”

Making her way toward the exit, curiosity got the best of her. 

She peeked into the kitchen and was stunned by the scene before her. She immediately clapped a hand over her mouth to stifle her laugh.

There, in full view, Hana was locked in a heated kiss with the chef.

Who is this chef guy? Is he even good enough for Hana? 

Alexandra backed away quickly, hiding behind a pillar to avoid being seen. Just as she let out a small chuckle, someone suddenly appeared beside her.

Lee Jae-yong.

“Goodness—” she nearly yelped, but he clasped a hand over her mouth.

How long has he been here? 

“Shh,” he whispered, amusement flickering in his dark eyes.

She pushed his hand away and quietly said,  “What are you doing here?”

Jae-yong leaned against the pillar, voice low, face only inches from hers. “I wanted to see if maybe I could see you again before you leave?”

The space between them was close. Too close. Their breaths barely above a whisper. They both knew it would be an awkward look if Hana or Seo found them like this. 

Alexandra suddenly felt a flush crawl up her neck. This was not from the soju, but from the intensity of Jae’s gaze. His eyes burned through the small distance between them causing her cheeks to redden. She couldn't help but look away. He was so unreasonably handsome, it was almost unfair.

Are all Koreans this gorgeous? 

“You’re extremely handsome.”

Terror crept across her face. She’d realised that she said that out loud and immediately countered with, “But I can’t. I’m sorry.”

Jae-yong’s lips curled upward. “So you think I’m handsome? Yet you can’t let me take you out? Or you won’t?”

“Both,” She felt her cheeks burning again. 

Why did I have to say that and why does he have to smell so good?

“But also, I really shouldn’t,” she said, crossing her arms trying to create some distance between them.

“Both,” he repeated softly, savoring the word. “Okay then,—what if I make you want to?”

“That sounds a little like a threat to me,” she teased.

Jae-yong shook his head, “I would never threaten you. I’d consider it a promise.”

They stood there for what felt like ages. Alexandra unsure of what she was feeling while Jae looked thoroughly amused by the effect he was having on her. She usually kept her distance when it came to personal matters.

She considered running away before he could get any closer or before she said something even more embarrassing. Part of her wanted to stay right where she was, but she soon decided against it. 

“I should go,” she whispered, mostly convincing herself.

“Only if you want to.”

Alexandra took a step back, fresh air washing between them.

Usually I’m so calm and collected, what is happening right now? 

She laughed nervously, “You’re impossible.”

Jae-yong took an extra step back, giving her a moment to breathe. “Alright,” he said with a shrug, but the playful glint stayed in his eyes. “I’ll  hopefully see you around?”

Alexandra felt a twinge of disappointment when he started to turn away. But she nodded quickly, as if reassuring herself more than him. “Yeah. I’ll see you.”

He began walking back towards the table but stopped and glanced over his shoulder. “I’ll try not to be too handsome next time,” he teased.

Alexandra stifled a laugh and exhaled as she stepped out of the restaurant. The cool night air did little to calm the buzz from the evening. It had been a mix of amusement, irritation, and just enough soju to make her feel warm but not reckless. She hated feeling reckless. 

Still, seeing Hana kissing the chef had thrown her off. She’d turned to leave but ended up taking the wrong exit out of the restaurant that led her down a dimly lit alley instead of the main street. 

She turned around to head back inside, remembering Young-Hana was supposed to take her back to her hotel. Suddenly a rough hand yanked her back into the alley. 

“Wallet. Purse. Now.”

Her breath hitched. A large man towered over her, his grip tightening as he yanked her closer.